When thinking about breast enhancement surgery it’s essential to make the right decisions regarding implant size, placement, shape, and type. For many years, there were only two options for implants – saline or traditional silicone. Then in 2012, the FDA approved a new type of silicone implant known as form-stable silicone gel breast implants, which later got the nickname Gummy Bear Implants after Californian plastic surgeon Dr. Grant Stevens noticed its similarities to gummy bear candies.
The Gummy Bear Implant craze has no doubt taken over Brentwood and Nashville, TN. A growing number of patients that come in for a complimentary breast augmentation consultation at Garza Plastic Surgery are asking specifically about gummy bear implants. Patients want to know what Gummy Bear Implants look and feel like, how long they will last, how they differ from traditional silicone or saline implants, how much they cost, and, of course, if they are safe.
Dr. Robert Garza has experience with all types of implants and can walk you through the advantages and disadvantages of each implant type during your breast surgery consultation. But we thought it would be helpful to answer the most frequently asked questions about Gummy Bear Implants in advance so you will feel more informed before your appointment.
What Are Gummy Bear Implants?
Breast technology is ever-changing, and one of the latest advancements in breast augmentation surgery is the introduction of Gummy Bear Implants, also known as highly cohesive gel implants, shaped breast implants, or anatomical breast implants.
Gummy Bear Implants are a type of silicone implant different from traditional silicone ones. While traditional silicone implants use a softer and more elastic gel, Gummy Bear Implants are made from a denser silicone material, which can be described as a type of gel with a thick consistency, similar to that of gummy bears (hence the nickname.) This cohesiveness is achieved by cross-linking the silicone molecules, creating a more solid and form-stable implant.
Think of traditional silicone implants as Jello-O, while Gummy Bear Implants are firmer and maintain their shape in any position. However, this firmness should not be mistaken for being unnaturally hard. Gummy Bear Implants are known best for closely resembling the feel of natural breast tissue..
The shape of the Gummy Bear Implant mimics the teardrop shape of a natural breast, and the thick silicone gel maintains the implant shape and offers additional firmness, resulting in a more natural look and feel. The consistency of the gel also prevents it from leaking in the rare event of implant rupture, adding an extra layer of safety.
If you’re leaning toward silicone implants over saline implants and desire more volume in your breasts with the most natural look and feel possible, Gummy Bear Implants are worth considering.
Benefits of Gummy Bear Implants
Gummy Bear Implants represent an exciting advancement in breast augmentation surgery. With their highly cohesive silicone gel and shaped design, they offer many benefits compared to traditional silicone and saline implants.
Gummy Bear Implants Look and Feel Very Natural
Gummy Bear Implants are recognized as an excellent option for those seeking a highly realistic and natural breast augmentation outcome because, unlike round implants, gummy bear implants feature a teardrop shape, with a thicker base and gradual tapering towards the top. This unique design closely emulates the natural contours and shape of the breasts, resulting in a more authentic aesthetic outcome. Additionally, the cohesive gel filling used in gummy bear implants provides a texture and consistency that closely resembles actual breast tissue, further enhancing the natural feel and shape.
Gummy Bear Implants Maintain Their Shape
Gummy Bear Implants contain a thick silicone gel that helps the implants maintain their original shape once placed, even when changing positions, such as leaning over or lying down. One of the key advantages of gummy bear implants is their ability to maintain their shape better than traditional silicone implants. This characteristic gives them a more natural appearance, closely resembling the shape and feel of natural breast tissue.
Gummy Bear Implants Stay In Position
Gummy Bear Implants are designed to be textured and shaped in a way that helps them stay in position within the breast. This means that they maintain a stable and natural appearance over time. The textured and contoured surface of these implants ensures that they don’t shift or move around, resulting in a consistent and balanced breast shape that lasts for years.
Gummy Bear Implants Do Not Leak
Gummy bear implants have gained popularity not only for their natural appearance but also for their enhanced safety features. The highly cohesive gel filling used in gummy bear implants is designed to prevent leakage in the unlikely event of implant rupture, providing patients with an additional level of reassurance. This cohesive nature of the gel ensures that it stays intact and does not spread into the surrounding breast tissues, further contributing to the overall safety profile of gummy bear implants.
Gummy Bear Implants Have Lower Risk of Complications
Many plastic surgeons believe that the textured surface of Gummy Bear Implants reduces the likelihood of rippling and folding, which are common complications associated with other implant types. Additionally, the gel inside Gummy Bear Implants is more cohesive and less likely to migrate within the breast tissue. This may help reduce the risk of capsular contracture, a condition where a “capsule” of abnormally fibrous tissue forms around a breast implant following breast augmentation.
Do Gummy Bear Implants Have Any Downfalls?
Gummy Bear Implants offer numerous aesthetic benefits and are even believed by some experts to be less likely to cause complications compared to other implant types. Still, there are considerations to keep in mind.
Unlike round implants, Gummy Bear Implants may rotate over time, potentially causing a distortion of the breast shape. Additionally, due to the thickness of the silicone gel and the shaped design, the incision required for inserting gummy bear implants may be slightly longer compared to other implant types. However, this is a small trade-off for the desired outcome.
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and discuss these factors with your plastic surgeon to ensure that Gummy Bear Implants are the right choice for you.
Are Gummy Bear Implants Safe?
Gummy Bear Implants have undergone rigorous clinical trials to ensure their safety and efficacy. In 2012, they received approval from the FDA, further establishing their credibility as a safe and reliable implant option for breast augmentation.
Many even consider Gummy Bear Implants to be a little safer than traditional silicone implants because if the implant shell were to rupture, there is no risk of the silicone gel leaking into the breast tissue. While traditional silicone implants also have a low risk of rupture, they are more likely to leak if a rupture occurs.
How Do Gummy Bear Implants Compare to Traditional Silicone and Saline Implants
Choosing between gummy bear implants, silicone implants, and saline implants depends on individual preferences and goals. Each type of breast implant has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
While gummy bear implants offer natural-looking results and enhanced safety features, silicone implants provide a softer and more natural feel. Saline implants, on the other hand, allow for adjustable volume and require smaller incisions.
Here is a quick breakdown of the key differences between Gummy Bear Implants, Silicone Implants, and Saline Implants:
Filling Material
One of the main differences between implant types lies in the filling material. Gummy bear implants are filled with highly cohesive silicone gel, which gives them a solid and form-stable consistency. This cohesive gel closely resembles the feel of natural breast tissue and helps the implant maintain its shape over time.
On the other hand, silicone implants are filled with a more liquid silicone gel, while saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution. Each filling material offers unique attributes that should be taken into consideration when selecting the most suitable option based on your desired outcome and preferences.
Look and Feel
When it comes to the look and feel of breast implants, gummy bear implants offer distinct advantages over silicone and saline implants, particularly in achieving a natural appearance.
The highly cohesive silicone gel used in Gummy Bear Implants offers a more solid and form-stable consistency. This allows them to maintain their shape and minimize the risk of rippling or wrinkling, providing a more natural contour. Additionally, the cohesive gel closely mimics the density of natural breast tissue, resulting in a more realistic texture and movement.
Silicone implants also have a soft and pliable feel due to the liquid silicone gel filling. This gives them a more natural texture, closely resembling the feel of natural breast tissue. Silicone implants also provide a smooth and rounded contour to the breasts, contributing to a natural-looking outcome. However, they may not offer the same shape retention and stability level as gummy bear implants.
Saline implants, on the other hand, are filled with a sterile saltwater solution. They have a firmer feel compared to silicone implants and may not provide the same level of natural texture and movement. However, one advantage of saline implants is the ability to adjust the volume during the surgery. As they are fillable implants, the surgeon can make slight modifications to achieve symmetrical volume and address any differences between the breasts. This versatility in volume adjustment can be beneficial for individuals who desire more flexibility in achieving their desired breast size.
Risk of Complications and Safety
Safety is of paramount importance when considering breast implants, and all three types of implants—gummy bear, silicone, and saline—are FDA approved and deemed safe for use in both cosmetic and medically necessary breast augmentation surgeries.
Gummy Bear Implants might have a slight edge. With their highly cohesive gel filling, they have been designed with safety in mind. The gel’s cohesiveness reduces the risk of silicone leakage or migration in the unlikely event of implant rupture. This characteristic provides reassurance for individuals considering Gummy Bear Implants, as the gel remains intact and maintains its shape, minimizing the potential for silicone dispersion within the body.
Silicone implants, too, have undergone rigorous testing and received FDA approval. The silicone gel used in these implants has evolved over the years to enhance safety. The gel is now formulated to be highly cohesive, reducing the risk of leakage. In the event of rupture, the cohesive gel remains contained mainly within the implant shell, minimizing the chances of silicone migration into surrounding tissues. Silicone implants have a long-standing safety track record and have been extensively studied to ensure their efficacy and longevity.
Similarly, saline implants have been approved by the FDA and are considered safe for use in breast augmentation. These implants consist of a silicone shell filled with a sterile saltwater solution. In the event of rupture, the saline solution is harmlessly absorbed by the body. While saline implants do not offer the same natural feel as gummy bear or silicone implants, they are a safe and reliable option, particularly for individuals who value the adjustability of implant volume during surgery.
It’s important to note that the safety of breast implants is not solely determined by the implant type but also relies on the skills and expertise of the plastic surgeon performing the procedure. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in breast augmentation surgery can further enhance the safety and success of the procedure.
Cost
Before we discuss the price differences between the different types of implants, it’s important to remember that cost should not be the sole determining factor when choosing breast implants. The overall quality, safety, and the ability to achieve your desired aesthetic outcome should be the primary considerations.
Saline implants are typically the least expensive option. This is due to the simpler manufacturing process and the fact that saline solution is a relatively inexpensive filler material. Saline implants are generally more affordable than silicone and gummy bear implants, making them a cost-effective choice for individuals on a tighter budget.
Silicone implants are priced slightly higher than saline implants. The increased cost is primarily attributed to the advanced technology and materials used in their production. The cohesive silicone gel filling and the rigorous testing and development process contribute to the overall price of silicone implants. However, many individuals find that silicone implants’ natural look and feel make them worth the investment.
Gummy Bear Implants, being a newer and highly sought-after option, tend to be the most expensive of the three. The cost is influenced by factors such as the extended clinical trials conducted, the unique manufacturing process, and the advanced technology used to create the highly cohesive gel. While the slightly higher price tag may be a consideration for some, many patients find that the natural-looking results and added benefits of Gummy Bear Implants justify the increased cost.
During a complimentary consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon, you will receive specific pricing information based on your individual needs and preferences. Dr. Garza will consider factors such as the implant type, size, and any additional procedures required to achieve your desired outcome. Our team will also provide guidance on financing options and payment plans that may be available to help make the investment more manageable.
How Long Do Gummy Bear Implants Last?
While the lifespan of breast implants can vary from person to person, Gummy Bear Implants are designed to be durable and long-lasting. The cohesive silicone gel used in Gummy Bear Implants is known for its stability and resistance to degradation over time. This contributes to the implants’ ability to maintain their shape and structural integrity for many years.
It is important to note that breast implants, including Gummy Bear Implants, are not considered lifetime devices. On average, Gummy Bear Implants have an estimated lifespan of approximately 10 to 15 years. Factors such as the individual’s body, lifestyle, and changes in weight or hormonal fluctuations can influence the longevity of the implants.
While Gummy Bear Implants are designed to withstand normal activities and daily life, they can experience wear and tear over time. It is recommended to have regular follow-up appointments with your breast implant specialist to monitor the condition of your implants. These check-ups will ensure that any potential issues can be detected early and addressed if necessary.
Are Gummy Bear Implants Right For Me?
Ultimately, the decision of whether Gummy Bear Implants are right for you should be made in consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. They will assess your individual circumstances and aesthetic goals to help you determine the best implant type and surgical approach for achieving your desired results.
That said, Gummy Bear Implants are an excellent choice for anyone that desires the most natural look and feel. The highly cohesive silicone gel filling closely resembles natural breast tissue, allowing the implants to maintain their shape and contour. This makes them ideal for individuals who prioritize achieving a realistic appearance. Gummy Bear Implants are also commonly selected for breast reconstruction surgeries. Their form-stable nature and teardrop shape can help recreate a more natural breast contour.
However, if laxity and sagging breasts are your concern, you might want to consider a breast lift, as breast implants cannot adequately address excess breast skin. Additionally, if you want the smallest scar possible, it’s important to note that the incisions for Gummy Bear Implants are typically about 2 cm larger compared to other implant types.
Gummy Bear Implants in Brentwood and Nashville, TN
We are excited to offer our patients Gummy Bear Implants at Garza Plastic Surgery as an option for breast implants. No matter what implant type you choose, when it comes to breast augmentation, being an informed patient is essential to make the best choice for your unique concerns and goals.
We hope this article answers your questions about Gummy Bear Implants. If not, we’d be happy to answer any further questions you have during your complimentary consultation. Take the first step towards enhancing your beauty and boosting your confidence, and schedule your consult with Dr. Garza today.
